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Tuesday, August 7, 2018

Mike Boone brings his 'smooth' personality to the Vikings’ backfield

Mike Boone is making a strong impression in Vikings training camp as he fights for the team's No. 3 running back role. Find out why Boone brings a 'smooth' personality to Minnesota's backfield.

Updated: August 7, 2018, 1:35 p.m.

By: Daniel House

If you spend a few hours with Vikings running back Mike Boone,
you’ll likely hear the smooth tones of a saxophone blasting through a speaker.

Boone, an undrafted free agent out of Cincinnati, often spends free time listening to his favorite artist, “Kenny G.” The relaxing tones
of jazz music are something you wouldn’t expect a muscular, 5-foot-10,
205-pound running back to enjoy. For Boone, it’s one of his deep secrets.

Boone translates the smooth persona of jazz music to
the football field when he cuts back and explodes through an open rushing lane.
Early in training camp, the young running back is making a strong impression as
he fights for the No. 3 running back position.

Following Jerick McKinnon’s departure in free agency, the
door is open for Boone to claim a roster spot. In terms of athletic testing,
the undrafted rookie has very similar metrics to McKinnon. A track star who finished
third in the state of Florida in the triple jump, Boone’s athleticism jumps off
the charts. It’s something that likely drew the Vikings’ scouting staff toward the
Cincinnati running back.

Not only that, but Boone's versatility has separated him from
many other running backs. Before arriving to training camp, Boone said he focused on maximizing his value on the field. Boone spent time studying the
likes of David Johnson, LeSean McCoy and Devonta Freeman to learn tools of the
trade he can apply to his own skill-set.

“Of course, you’ve got to be in the film room,” Boone said. “Pass
protection – you always have to find a time to work on that. Just being explosive
in-and-out of cuts and between the tackles being able to explode and stay
vertical between the tackles. Catching passes, I always work on that.”

Being a strong pass catcher is something Boone made a specialty during his
college career at Cincinnati. He was used in the screen game, lined up in the
slot or targeted via swing passes. He snatched 65 career receptions for 596
yards through the air. Boone also played receiver at Baker County High School
in Florida, which helped him become more natural as a pass catcher.

“[Being a receiver] helped me out a lot,” he said. “It made
it way easier to be able to line up in the slot, catch the ball, running swing
routes and all of the designed routes to the running back out of the
backfield. It just makes me that much more comfortable doing it.”

Boone also spent extensive time improving in pass
protection to keep the quarterback upright. It’s something Boone understands
will be important when teams send pressure in third-and-long situations.

“Out here, if you can’t protect the quarterback, you can’t
play, so that’s the No. 1 emphasis,” Boone said. “Protect the ball and protect
the quarterback, so that’s what I try to focus on day in and day out.”

Throughout spring practices and training camp, it’s clear
Boone has the potential to carve out a role because of his pure explosiveness and
overall versatility. During Vikings training camp, offensive coordinator John
DeFilippo and running backs coach Kennedy Polamalu are trying to unlock all of
the potential within Mike Boone’s skill-set. Throughout the past few months, Boone
is noticing how DeFilippo has placed players like him in favorable situations.

“Coach Flip is a great coach,” he said. “He’s dedicated and
makes sure we know the offense and puts us in the best situation to showcase
what we can do. I’m extremely grateful to be coached by him and Kennedy Polamalu.”

Boone is also taking advantage of the opportunity to work
alongside high-caliber running back Dalvin Cook and veteran Latavius Murray. The
duo has helped Boone adjust to the rigors associated with being an NFL running
back. It’s helped the trio create a bond which extends beyond the playing
field.

“[They tell me], just be you, be calm, you’ve been playing
this game for as long as we can remember. It’s all we know,” Boone said. “Those
guys taught me so many little hacks and tricks as far as from my footwork, pass
protection, hitting the gaps. I’m extremely thankful for those guys -- they’re
like big brothers to me.”

During the draft process, Boone slid off draft boards due to
a lingering foot injury, which impacted his production. After posting 18 total
touchdowns and 1,399 yards over his first two seasons, Boone’s statistical output
was nearly cut in half. The early stages of his career were a small glimpse
into the potential Boone can provide if he develops correctly and stays healthy. Now, the injuries
are in the past as the running back transitions to the professional ranks.

“I did everything I can to recover my body and make sure those
injuries don’t happen again,” he said. “It’s uphill from here.”

Boone’s focus has transitioned to chasing the No. 3 running
back by putting together a strong training camp and preseason. His sights are
set on claiming one of the final roster spots.

“[Earning a roster spot] is the goal,” Boone said. “It’s
exactly what I thought it would be, a great competition and I’m just excited
and blessed to be here.”